New Crosswalks
In the fall of 2011 West 70th street in Edina from France Ave to Highway 100 was reopened after major reconstruction. The new West 70th street now includes bike lanes, a lower speed limit, enhanced crosswalks and traffic calming measures including a roundabout.
Bicyclists can now enjoy the 5-ft-wide bike lanes in both directions and a reduced car speed limit of 25 MPH. Any concern about reduced parking has been alleviated, with only a few spots lost, and bicyclists are able to ride between the parking and traffic lanes.
Walkers, too, can see the difference along 70th. What we all know as conventional crosswalks have been replaced with engraved markings, making them easier to see and increasing the life of the markings.
Our bike-friendly West 70th has been realized, and we hope a lot more people use it to travel to the greater Southdale area or to the west side of Edina.
West 70th Before
West 70th After
i never bike on w. 70th St but do on 44th st…are they making bike lanes there?
Well, that’s a start. However, the 2007 Bike Task Force Comprehensive Plan suggested improvements that might be implemented in a short term (1-2 years) and a long term (4-7 years) process. Many of the goals in that plan are dramatically behind pace. While Minneapolis is constantly applauded by recognized resources such as Bicycling magazine as best cycling city in the country, neighboring Edina is lucky to even be in its shadow. How about bike lanes, reduced speeds (or conscientious drivers) and signals/signage alerting motorists to share the road in key corridors like Valley View, Wooddale, Benton, Vernon, Tracy, Interlachen, etc. Those who think Edina is holding its own as a “bike friendly” city, must not do much biking.